Systems and methods for soft cover attachment

ABSTRACT

A softcover for an evacuation system may comprise a fabric panel. The fabric panel may define a plurality of apertures located proximate a first end of the first fabric panel. A plurality of straps may extend from a second end of the fabric panel. The straps may be configured to secure the fabric panel to a housing configured to receive an inflatable slide.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to aircraft evacuation systems and,more particularly, to systems and methods for softcover attachment.

BACKGROUND

Emergency evacuation systems may be used to exit an aircraft absent ajet way or other suitable means of egress for passengers. Off-wingevacuation systems may include a fabric retention device, often referredto as a “softcover,” that secures an evacuation slide within a storagecontainer or packboard. The softcover may have two fabric panelsattached to the packboard forming a lid over the evacuation slide. Thefabric panels may be laced together such that release of the lacingallows the fabric panels to open and the evacuation slide to deploy.Current evacuation systems may attach the softcover to the packboard viaa plurality of inserts configured to receive a screw or other typefastener. The inserts and fasteners can be time consuming to install andexpensive to produce.

SUMMARY

A softcover for an evacuation system is disclosed herein. In accordancewith various embodiments the softcover may comprise a first fabric paneldefining a plurality of first apertures located proximate a first end ofthe first fabric panel. One or more first straps may extend from asecond end of the first fabric panel opposite the first end of the firstfabric panel.

In various embodiments, the first straps may each be configured as aloop. In various embodiments, a plurality of brackets may be coupled tothe one or more first straps.

In various embodiments, the one or more first straps may comprise aplurality of chords configured to form a daisy chain.

In various embodiments, the soft cover may further comprise a secondfabric panel. The second fabric panel may define a plurality of secondapertures located proximate a first end of the second fabric panel. Oneor more second straps may extend from a second end of the second fabricpanel opposite the first end of the second fabric panel.

In various embodiments, the first straps may each comprise a firstportion extending from the second end of the first fabric panel, and asecond portion stitched to the first portion. An end of the secondportion may be configured to extend away from the first portion.

An evacuation system is also disclosed herein. In accordance withvarious embodiments, the evacuation system may comprise a housingconfigured to receive an inflatable slide. The housing may define afirst aperture. A softcover may be coupled to the housing. The softcovermay comprise a first fabric panel. The first fabric panel may comprisefirst strap extending from a first end of the first fabric panel. Thefirst strap may be located through the first aperture of the housing.

In various embodiments, a bracket may be coupled to the first strap. Alength of the bracket may be less than a length of the first aperture, awidth of the bracket may be greater than a width of the first aperture.

In various embodiments, a rod may be located through the first strap. Invarious embodiments, the first fabric panel may comprises a plurality ofchords extending from the first end of the first fabric panel. Theplurality of chords may include the first strap. The plurality of chordsmay be configured in a daisy chain.

In various embodiments, the softcover may further comprise a secondfabric panel. The second fabric panel may comprise a second strapextending from a first end of the second fabric panel. The second strapmay be located through a second aperture of the housing. A lace maycouple the first fabric panel to the second fabric panel.

In various embodiments, the first strap may comprise a first portionextending through the first aperture of the housing, and a secondportion stitched to the first portion. An end of the second portion maybe disposed on an external surface of the housing.

A method of installing a softcover in an evacuation system is alsodisclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the method maycomprise disposing a first end of a first fabric panel proximate aninternal surface of a housing configured to receive an inflatable slide.The first fabric panel may comprise a plurality of first strapsextending from the first end of the first fabric panel. The method mayfurther comprise locating the plurality of first straps through aplurality of first apertures defined by the housing, and securing thefirst straps to the housing.

In various embodiments, the first straps may each be configured as aloop, and securing the first straps to the housing may comprise locatinga rod through the first straps.

In various embodiments, securing the first straps to the housing maycomprise configuring the first straps in a daisy chain over an externalsurface of the housing, and coupling a shackle to a key loop of thedaisy chain.

In various embodiments, the method may further comprise coupling aplurality of brackets to the plurality of first straps, and securing thefirst straps to the housing may comprise locating the plurality ofbrackets over an external surface of the housing.

In various embodiments, the first straps may each comprise a firstportion extending from the first end of the first fabric panel, and asecond portion attached to the first portion, and securing the firststraps to the housing may comprise locating the second portion on anexternal surface of the housing.

In various embodiments, the method may further comprise disposing afirst end of a second fabric panel proximate the internal surface of thehousing, locating the plurality of second straps of the second fabricpanel through a plurality of second apertures defined by the housing,and securing the plurality of second straps to the housing.

The forgoing features and elements may be combined in variouscombinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated hereinotherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation of thedisclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of thefollowing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosures, however, maybest be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claimswhen considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein likenumerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary aircraft having an emergency evacuationsystem, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrates an evacuation system including a softcover locatedover an inflatable slide, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2B illustrates an evacuation system housing configured to receivethe softcover of FIG. 2A, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a fabric panel of a softcover for an evacuationsystem, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates brackets securing the softcover of FIG. 3 to ahousing, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rod securing the softcover of FIG. 3 to a housing,in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6A illustrates a fabric panel of a softcover for an evacuationsystem, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6B illustrates the softcover of FIG. 6A secured to a housing, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a fabric panel of a softcover for an evacuationsystem, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a cross-section view of the fabric panel ofFIG. 7 being attached to a housing, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates the softcover of FIG. 7 secured to a housing, inaccordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a method installing a softcover in an evacuationsystem, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thedisclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may berealized and that logical changes and adaptations in design andconstruction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and theteachings herein. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not limitation. The steps recited inany of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any orderand are not necessarily limited to the order presented.

Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, andany reference to more than one component or step may include a singularembodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected,or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full,and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any referenceto without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contactor minimal contact.

Throughout the present disclosure, like reference numbers denote likeelements. Accordingly, elements with like element numbering may be shownin the figures, but may not necessarily be repeated herein for the sakeof clarity. Cross hatching lines and/or surface shading lines may beused throughout the figures to denote different parts but notnecessarily to denote the same or different materials.

As used herein, “proximate” refers to a direction inward, or generally,towards the reference component.

Evacuation systems of the present disclosure may comprise a softcoverconfigured to secure an inflatable slide within a housing. In variousembodiments, the softcover may include one or more fabric panel(s)coupled the housing. The fabric panel(s) have a plurality of strapsconfigured to be located through apertures in the housing. The softcovermay be coupled to the housing by securing the first straps to thehousing. The softcovers and installation methods as disclosed herein maydecrease installation time and/or reduce manufacturing costs.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary aircraft 100 is shown, in accordancewith various embodiments. Aircraft 100 may comprise a fuselage 102 withwings 104 fixed to fuselage 102. An emergency exit door 106 may bedisposed on fuselage 102 over wing 104 such that passengers exitingemergency exit door 106 would exit onto wing 104. An evacuation system108 may be disposed aft of emergency exit door 106. A panel 110 maycover evacuation system 108 when installed on aircraft 100. In responseto emergency exit door 106 opening, or in response to another evacuationevent, evacuation system 108 may jettison panel 110 and deploy aninflatable slide. In various embodiments, the inflatable slide maylocated within a housing (also referred to as a packboard), which may bemounted to aircraft 100.

With reference to FIG. 2A, evacuation system 108 is shown as viewed froman outboard side, with panel 110 (of FIG. 1) removed, in accordance withvarious embodiments. Evacuation system 108 may comprise a softcover 120and a housing 150. Housing 150 may be configured to receive and house aninflatable slide 151. Softcover 120 may be located over inflatable slide151. Softcover 120 may be configured to contain inflatable slide 151within an interior of housing 150. The interior of housing 150 isdefined, at least partially, by internal surface 156 of housing 150.

Softcover 120 may include fabric panels 120 a and 120 b. A lace 124 maycouple fabric panel 120 a to fabric panel 120 b, and close softcover 120to retain inflatable slide 151. Lace 124 may be in configured in a daisychain. For example, lace 124 may be configured in a series of loops witheach loop extending (i.e., threaded) through a lace aperture 126 infabric panels 120 a and 120 b and through an adjacent loop in theseries. After a plurality of loops have been threaded together in thismanner, a pin may close the daisy chain. In various embodiments, the pinmay be slidably coupled to lace 124 such that lace 124 may unlace inresponse to a removal, or an uncoupling, of the pin from lace 124. Inthat regard, the pin may be located in a final or “key” loop to preventlace 124 from unfurling, and pulling the pin out the key loop mayrelease lace 124 and allow softcover 120 open (i.e., allow fabric panel120 a to separate from fabric panel 120 b and release inflatable slide151). In various embodiments, evacuation system 108 may include anactuator positioned to translate (i.e., pull) the pin and releaseinflatable slide 151.

With reference to FIG. 2B, housing 150 of evacuation system 108 is shownas viewed from an inboard direction, in accordance with variousembodiments. An actuator 140 configured to open softcover 120 (of FIG.2A) may be coupled to housing 150. Ball locks 142 may be coupled tohousing 150 and configured to release panel 110 (of FIG. 1). In variousembodiments, evacuation system 108 may include a charged tank configuredto provide pressurized gas to inflate inflatable slide 151 (of FIG. 2A),motivate actuator 140, and release ball locks 142.

In various embodiments, housing 150 includes a plurality of apertures152 a formed proximate a top (or first end) 153 of housing 150, and aplurality of apertures 152 b formed along a bottom (or second end) 155of housing 150. Top 153 of housing 150 is oriented generally oppositebottom 155. Apertures 152 a and 152 b extend completely through housing150. In this regard, apertures 152 a and 152 b extend from an externalsurface 154 of housing 150 to an internal surface 156 (with momentaryreference to FIG. 2A) of housing 150. External surface 154 is generallyopposite internal surface 156. With combined reference to FIGS. 2A and2B, the apertures 152 a located along top 153 of housing 150 may beconfigured to secure fabric panel 120 a to housing 150, and theapertures 152 b located along bottom 155 of housing 150 may beconfigured to secure fabric panel 120 b to housing 150.

With reference to FIG. 3, fabric panels 120 a and 120 b of softcover 120are illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. In variousembodiments, fabric panel 120 a may include lace apertures 126 a. Laceapertures 126 a may be formed proximate to end 158 a of fabric panel 120a. Fabric panel 120 b may include lace apertures 126 b. Lace apertures126 b may be formed proximate to end 158 b of fabric panel 120 b. Fabricpanel 120 a further includes one or more straps 160 a. Straps 160 aextend from an end 162 a of fabric panel 120 a. End 162 a of fabricpanel 120 a is generally opposite end 158 a. Straps 160 a may beintegral to fabric panel 120 a or straps 160 a may be coupled (e.g.,sewn or otherwise fastened) to fabric panel 120 a. Fabric panel 120 bfurther includes a plurality of straps 160 b. Straps 160 b extend froman end 162 b of fabric panel 120 b. End 162 b of fabric panel 120 b isgenerally opposite end 158 b. Straps 160 b may be integral to fabricpanel 120 b or straps 160 b may be coupled (e.g., sewn or otherwisefastened) to fabric panel 120 b.

In various embodiments, straps 160 a and 160 b may be configured asloops. Stated differently, straps 160 a may each define an opening 164a, and straps 160 b may each define an opening 164 b. Straps 160 a and160 b may comprise rope, tape, ribbon, webbing, or any other type strap.Straps 160 a and 160 b may comprise nylon, ballistic nylon,polypropylene, polyester, cotton, or other suitable material.

With combined reference to FIGS. 2B and 3, when coupling fabric panels120 a and 120 b to housing 150, end 162 a of fabric panel 120 a may belocated along internal surface 156, proximate top end 153, and end 162 bof fabric panel 120 b may be located along internal surface 156,proximate bottom end 155, such that end 158 a of fabric panel 120 a islocated proximate end 158 b of fabric panel 120 b. Straps 160 a mayextend a distance D1 from end 162 a of fabric panel 120 a. Straps 160 bmay extend a distance D2 from end 162 b of fabric panel 120 b. DistanceD1 may be selected such that, when straps 160 a are located throughapertures 152 a, at least a portion of each strap 160 a will extendbeyond external surface 154 of housing 150. Distance D2 may be selectedsuch that, when straps 160 b are located through apertures 152 b, atleast a portion of each strap 160 b will extend beyond external surface154 of housing 150. In various embodiments, D1 may be equal to distanceD2. Distance D1 may also be greater than or less than distance D2.

With reference to FIG. 4, in various embodiments, brackets 170 maycouple (i.e., secure) softcover 120 to housing 150. Brackets 170 may becoupled to straps 160 a. For example, with momentary combined referenceto FIGS. 3 and 4, a portion of brackets 170 may be located throughopenings 164 a. Brackets 170 may be configured to couple fabric panel120 a to housing 150. In this regard, brackets 170 may be located onexternal surface 154, along top end 153 of housing 150. While FIG. 4 andthe securement of softcover 120 to housing 150 are described withreference to elements and features of fabric panel 120 a and top end153, it should be understood that fabric panel 120 b and bottom end 155may include the elements and features as described herein with respectto fabric panel 120 a and top end 153 (i.e., brackets 170 may also becoupled to straps 160 b and located over external surface 154 alongbottom end 155 of housing 150).

With combined reference to FIG. 2B and FIG. 4, in various embodiments,at least one dimension of bracket 170 is greater than the correspondingdimension of aperture 152. For example, in various embodiments, bracket170 comprises a length L1 which is less than a length L2 of aperture152, and bracket 170 comprises a width W1 which is greater than a widthW2 of aperture 152. Length L2 and width W1 of bracket 170 may beconfigured such that, when securing fabric panel 120 a to top end 153 ofhousing 150, the brackets 170 attached to straps 160 a may be slidthrough apertures 152 a in a first direction (i.e., from internalsurface 156 to external surface 154), then pivoted such that brackets170 are in contact with external surface 154 and are prevented fromtraveling back through apertures 152 a in a second opposite direction(i.e., from external surface 154 to internal surface 156).

With reference to FIG. 5, in various embodiments, a rod 180 may couple(i.e., secure) softcover 120 to housing 150. Rod may be coupled tostraps 160 a. For example, with momentary combined reference to FIGS. 3and 5, rod 180 may be located through openings 164 a in straps 160 a.Rod 180 may be configured to couple fabric panel 120 a to housing 150.In this regard, rod 180 may be located on external surface 154, alongtop end 153 of housing 150. When coupling fabric panel 120 a to housing150, straps 160 a may be slid through apertures 152 a in a firstdirection (i.e., from internal surface 156 to external surface 154) suchthat a portion of straps 160 is over external surface 154, rod 180 maythen be located through openings 164 a such that rod 180 prevents straps160 a from traveling back through apertures 152 a in a second oppositedirection (i.e., from external surface 154 to internal surface 156).While FIG. 5 and the securement of softcover 120 to housing 150 aredescribed with reference to elements and features of fabric panel 120 aand top end 153, it should be understood that fabric panel 120 b andbottom end 155 may include the elements and features as described hereinwith respect to fabric panel 120 a and top end 153 (i.e., a rod may alsobe coupled to straps 160 b and located over external surface 154 alongbottom end 155 of housing 150).

With reference to FIG. 6A, in various embodiments, fabric panel 120 amay include one or more straps or chords 190. Chords 190 may each beconfigured as a loop. Chords 190 may be integral to fabric panel 120 aor chords may be coupled (e.g., sewn or otherwise fastened) to fabricpanel 120 a. Chords 190 may comprise rope, wire, lace, or other typechord. Chords 190 may comprise nylon, ballistic nylon, polypropylene,polyester, cotton, metal, fluoropolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),composites, or other suitable material. Chords 190 each extend adistance D3 from end 162 a of fabric panel 120 a. In variousembodiments, distance D3 may be the same for each chord 190. In variousembodiments, distance D3 may vary such that some chords 190 may extendfurther from end 162 a than other chords 190. Distance D3 of each chord190 may be selected such that when securing fabric panel 120 a tohousing 150, chords 190 may be configured in a daisy chain, as shown inFIG. 6B.

With reference to FIG. 6B, in various embodiments, chords 190 may couple(i.e., secure) softcover 120 to housing 150. Chords 190 may be inconfigured in a daisy chain over external surface 154 of housing 150.For example, chords 190 may be configured in a series loop with eachchord extending (i.e., threaded) through an aperture 191 in housing 150and through an adjacent chord in the series. For example, a first chord190 a may extend through a first aperture 191 a in housing 150, a secondchord 190 b may extend through a second aperture 191 b and through firstchord 190 a. A third chord 190 c may extend through a third aperture 191c and through second chord 190 b. After the loops have been threadedtogether in this manner, a shackle 192 may close the daisy chain.Shackle may be coupled to chords 190 such that chords 190 may notunlace. In that regard, shackle may be located in a final or “key” chord190 k to prevent chords 190 from unfurling.

While FIGS. 6A and 6B are described with reference to elements andfeatures of fabric panel 120 a and top end 153 of housing 150, it shouldbe understood that fabric panel 120 b and bottom end 155 may include theelements and features as described herein with respect to fabric panel120 a and top end 153 (i.e., fabric panel 120 b may include one or morechords, similar to chords 190, configured to form a daisy chain overexternal surface 154 and secure fabric panel 120 b to bottom end 155 ofhousing 150).

With reference to FIG. 7, in various embodiments, fabric panel 120 a mayinclude one or more straps 200. Straps 200 may each include a firstportion 200 a and a second portion 200 b. Second portion 200 b may besewn to first portion 200 a at stitching 202. In various embodiments,second portion 200 b may be integral to first portion 200 a (e.g., strap200 may be folded and stitched). Straps 200 may be integral to fabricpanel 120 a or straps 200 may be coupled (e.g., sewn or otherwisefastened) to fabric panel 120 a. Straps 200 may comprise rope, tape,ribbon, webbing, or any other type strap. Straps 200 may comprise nylon,ballistic nylon, polypropylene, polyester, cotton, composites, or othersuitable material.

FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of fabric panel 120 a prior toattachment to housing 150. In preparation for attachment of fabric panel120 a, straps 200 are aligned with apertures 152 b, with an end 201 ofsecond portion 200 b located proximate to first portion 200 a. FIG. 8Billustrates a side view of fabric panel 120 a attached to housing 150.In various embodiments, second portion 200 b of strap 200 may beconfigured to extend away from first portion 200 a, such that whensecuring fabric panel 120 a to housing 150, straps 200 are slid throughapertures 152 a in a first direction (i.e., from internal surface 156 toexternal surface 154) until portion second 200 b is completely throughaperture 152 a (i.e., until all of second portion 200 b over externalsurface 154). After second portion 200 b is through apertures 152 a, end201 of second portion 200 b is extended away from first portion 200 a,such that second portion 200 b is on and/or contacting external surface154.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of attached softcover 120 coupledto housing 150, in accordance with various embodiments. In variousembodiments straps 200 may be configured, for example, a stiffness orrigidity of straps 200 and a length of second portion 200 b may beselected, such that locating second portion 200 b on external surface154 of housing 150 prevents second portion 200 b from traveling backthrough aperture 152 a (i.e., in a directed from external surface 154 tointernal surface 156). In this regard, locating second portion 200 b onexternal surface 154, along top end 153 of housing 150 may secure fabricpanel 120 a to housing 150.

While FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B, and 9 are described with reference to elementsand features of fabric panel 120 a and top end 153 of housing 150, itshould be understood that fabric panel 120 b and bottom end 155 ofhousing 150 may include the elements and features as described hereinwith respect to fabric panel 120 a and top end 153 (i.e., fabric panel120 b may include one or more straps, similar to straps 200, configuredto extend onto external surface 154 secure fabric panel 120 b to bottomend 155 of housing 150).

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 300 of installing a softcover in anevacuation system is illustrated, in accordance with variousembodiments. Method 300 may include disposing an end of a first fabricpanel proximate an internal surface of a housing (step 302). Method 300may further include locating a plurality of straps of the first fabricpanel through a plurality of apertures formed through the housing (step304), and securing the plurality of straps to the housing (step 306).

With combined reference to FIG. 10 and FIGS. 2B and 3, in variousembodiments, step 302 may comprise disposing end 162 a of fabric panel120 a proximate internal surface 156 of housing 150. Step 304 maycomprise locating straps 160 through apertures 152 a. Step 306 maycomprise securing straps 160 to housing 150. In various embodiments,steps 302, 304, and 306 may be repeated for fabric panel 120 b (i.e.,end 162 b of fabric panel 120 b may be located proximate internalsurface 156, straps 160 b may be located through apertures 152 b andsecured to housing 150).

With combined reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 4, in various embodiments,brackets 170 may be coupled to the straps 160 a and step 306 maycomprise locating brackets 170 over external surface 154. With combinedreference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 5, in various embodiments, step 306 maycomprise locating rod 180 through straps 160 a.

With combined reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 6B, in various embodiments,the straps may comprise chords 190 and step 306 may comprise configuringchords 190 in a daisy chain over external surface 154 and securingshackle 192 to a key loop (i.e., key chord 190 k) in the daisy chain.

With combined reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 9, In various embodiments,the straps may comprise first portion 200 a extending from end 162 a andsecond portion 200 b attached to first portion 200 a and step 306 maycomprise locating second portion 200 b over external surface 154.

Securing the straps of fabric panels 120 a and 120 b to the housingdecrease installation time for softcover 120 and/or reduce manufacturingcosts of evacuation system.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as critical, required, or essential features orelements of the disclosures.

The scope of the disclosures is accordingly to be limited by nothingother than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly sostated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to“at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended thatthe phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in anembodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may bepresent in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, Band C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A andC, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is usedthroughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily todenote the same or different materials.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detaileddescription herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “anexample embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described mayinclude a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but everyembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed. After reading the description, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiment

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f)unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” Asused herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. An evacuation system, comprising: a housing configured to receive an inflatable slide, the housing defining a first aperture, formed proximate a first end of the housing and a second aperture formed proximate a second end of the housing, the first end disposed opposite the second end; and a softcover coupled to the housing, the softcover comprising a first fabric panel and a second fabric panel, wherein the first fabric panel comprises a first strap extending from a first end of the first fabric panel, and wherein the first strap is located through the first aperture of the housing such that at least a portion of the first strap extends beyond an external surface of the housing whereby the first fabric panel is secured to the housing; and the second fabric panel comprises a second strap extending from a first end of the second fabric panel, and wherein the second strap is located through the second aperture of the housing such that at least a portion of the second strap extends beyond the external surface of the housing whereby the second fabric panel is secured to the housing.
 2. The evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the first fabric panel comprises a plurality of chords extending from the first end of the first fabric panel, the plurality of chords including the first strap, and wherein the plurality of chords are configured in a daisy chain.
 3. The evacuation system of claim 1, further comprising a lace coupling the first fabric panel to the second fabric panel.
 4. The evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the first strap comprises: a first portion extending through the first aperture of the housing, the first portion comprises the at least a portion of the first strap; and a second portion stitched to the first portion, wherein an end of the second portion is disposed on an external surface of the housing.
 5. The evacuation system of claim 1, wherein a second end of the first fabric panel is coupled to a second end of the second fabric panel to close the softcover to retain the inflatable slide.
 6. The evacuation system of claim 1, further comprising a bracket coupled to the first strap.
 7. The evacuation system of claim 6, wherein a length of the bracket is less than a length of the first aperture, and wherein a width of the bracket is greater than a width of the first aperture.
 8. The evacuation system of claim 1, further comprising a rod located through the first strap.
 9. The evacuation system of claim 8, wherein the rod is located externally from the housing. 